When it comes to hair care, more often than not, we opt for tried and tested remedies. Tell someone about a new in-salon treatment and they’ll look at you with scepticism. Mention a DIY method and see how their ears perk up! If you’re an at-home beauty aficionado, here is a hair care remedy that stops hair fall and promotes hair growth: Rice water rinses.
Researchers in Japan found that women living during the Heian Period–that is between 794 to 1185 CE were famous for their thick, long locks. Their secret? Combing the leftover water after rinsing rice through their hair. They believed this protected hair from breakage, minimised frizz, and made their manes shiny. Even today, women in China credit rice water for their shiny, long hair. Wondering how to get on this healthy hair bandwagon? We’re breaking it down for you in our guide below…
The benefits
Even though we don’t have concrete proof that rice water will give you Rapunzel-like hair, it is important to note that it is rich in antioxidants, amino acids as well as other vitamins that can nourish hair. Experts believe that rice water will help you to get healthier hair but have differing opinions on whether it is better for your scalp or your mane. Now, keeping in mind that a healthy scalp is essential for good hair, we’d recommend giving this treatment a go before you scoff it.
Increase in strength and elasticity
Coating your hair with rice water–which is rich in starch–can help thicken and strengthen the hair shaft.
Restore scalp health
Apply rice water to your scalp and massage it to soothe your skin and nourish it with vitamins and amino acids. This can especially benefit those who have dry, irritated scalps. A 2002 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that the starch in rice water helped soothe and improve damaged, irritated skin.
Add extra shine
Using rice water routinely can help decrease split ends as it hydrates your mane. It also makes your hair easier to detangle and prevents breakage.
What to know before you use rice water for hair
-Rice water is a very mild concoction and so can be used for all hair types.
- If your hair is very dry, don’t use it more than once or twice a week.
- If you find that the treatment is drying out your hair, make sure you deep condition.
- This isn’t a quick fix treatment and to see results, you need to consistently use it.
How to make a rice water rinse
- Take a bowl of rice and rinse it with water to remove impurities.
- Mix the washed rice with two bowls of water and squeeze it with your hands till it becomes cloudy.
- Fill it in a bottle and let it stand at room temperature for 24 hours so it can ferment.
- Store unused rice water in the fridge for up to a week.
- If the smell of the fermented rice water bothers you, pop in a couple of orange peels before you ferment it.
- Post-shampoo, take the rice water and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 20 minutes at least and then rinse it out using cold water.
It is important to understand that the results of this treatment may differ from person to person.